Eating Healthy to Prevent Gout

If you are one of the many people that have been diagnosed with gout, it is important to eat healthy in order to lower uric acid in the body. Gout is caused by an increase in uric acid levels in the body. The body is unable to remove this excess uric acid, so it crystallizes around the joints and begins to build up, causing pain and symptoms similar to arthritis.

A healthy diet should consist of foods that will not cause the body to make extra uric acid. You should make sure you drink plenty of water each day to keep your body hydrated. You should not drink sugary drinks like colas, or alcoholic beverages. Colas contain corn syrup which adds to your risk of another flare up of the disease. Drinks that contain caffeine should be avoided. Caffeine is a natural diuretic and will draw excess water out of the body, increasing uric acid levels.

You can consume lean cuts of meat with little-to-no fat. Chicken and fish are good choices. Pork loins, cutlets and roasts are good options, but other pork products like ham and bacon should not be consumed. You should avoid any foods that are deep fried. Rather eat foods that are baked, broiled or grilled. Fresh vegetables and fruits should be consumed daily. You can stream or grill the vegetables. Rather than using salt to flavor foods, use fresh herbs and spices like garlic, rosemary, sage, and parsley. You can also use the juice from fresh citrus fruits, like lemons, oranges and limes to add flavor to your favorite foods. If you consume dairy products, you should only eat ones that are low-fat. You should avoid whole milk and hard cheeses.

Certain herbs and vegetables when consumed regularly can help to reduce uric acid levels in the body. Celery and alfalfa both have properties to help the body eliminate excess uric acid from the body. Herbs such as buchu also work to reduce uric acid levels in the body. Buchu works best when mixed with a tea. Most health food stores have buchu teas already mixed and ready to use.